In a bid to replicate the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up for a new franchise competition set to launch in 2024. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah is crafting a blueprint for the proposed Tier-2 league, with a potential window between September and October.
The BCCI contemplates embracing the T10 format, acknowledging the widespread appeal of the shortest version of the game. However, debates linger on key aspects:
a) Format Dilemma:The BCCI is deliberating whether to opt for the T10 format or stick to T20.
b) Player Age Cap: A crucial decision revolves around whether the league should have an age cap for players to safeguard the IPL’s popularity.
c) Franchise Auctions: The board is considering whether to conduct a separate tender process for new franchises or offer existing IPL franchises the right of first refusal.
d) Venue Selection:Another point of contention is whether the tournament should be held in India or rotate to a new venue annually.
The existing contracts between the BCCI and IPL franchise owners grant them the right of first refusal for any business model similar to the IPL. The potential league poses questions about its impact on existing marquee bilateral cricket events.
The BCCI’s critical decision lies in determining whether the new tournament should impose an age bracket. This consideration aims to prevent it from overshadowing the IPL, which thrives on prime-time viewership, top international players’ participation, and robust corporate sponsorship.
If these plans materialize, bilateral cricket may undergo a transformation within the next two years, with franchise cricket dominating the calendar. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in collaborating with Indian cricket, potentially signaling a shift in the dynamics of international cricket and revenue-sharing models.
As cricket boards seek financial sustainability, the proposed league could reshape the global cricketing landscape, potentially impacting the future of 50-over cricket. Only the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) might stand uniquely positioned due to favorable weather conditions during the summer months.
The BCCI’s ambitious venture appears to be on the cusp of inevitability, promising to reshape the cricketing narrative globally.
